West Ham were linked on Monday with a late bid to prise Gueye from Villa Park, and Marseille have also reportedly been keen on a late bid, but this picture suggests that the Senegal international will be imminently confirmed as the club’s second summer signing.

Only former Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante completed more interceptions than Gueye last season and Koeman has identified him as his first major signing after sealing the capture of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg on a free transfer from Fulham.

It is said Koeman made a swift move for the Villa player in order to fend off any interest from France as the Dutchman builds his squad for the forthcoming Premier League season.

Gueye who is affectionately known as ‘Gana’ by supporters made a £9million switch from France last summer and made 35 appearances for Villa.